12 Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Australia

Ah, cherry blossoms… arguably the flower that has the power to attract tourists all across the world. And we totally get it! The white and various shades of pink petals can turn any ordinary park or street into a magical scene straight out of a movie! While the go-to places to view the cherry blossoms are Japan or South Korea, did you know that you can catch this elusive beauty in Australia? The cherry blossom season in Australia also attracts travellers to their cherry orchards and award-winning botanic gardens.

Cherry blossoms are some of the shortest-living flowers — only blooming for about two weeks out of an entire year. In particular, the cherry blossoms usually reach their full peak in early to mid-September, and last till early October. We totally understand the allure and challenge of chasing after this fleeting blooming season. So, we’ve created this handy guide to cherry blossoms in Australia for you to get a truly out-of-this-world view of the blossoms! Read on for a list of 12 places in the Land Down Under where you can catch these lovely blooms!

Also read: Sydney or Melbourne: Which Aussie City Should You See First?

Where to see cherry blossoms in Australia: New South Wales

1. Auburn Botanic Gardens – Western Sydney

Colloquially known as Australia’s most Instagrammable cultural space, the Auburn Botanic Gardens is one of the most popular places to photograph cherry blossoms in Australia. The gardens host the Sydney Cherry Blossom Festival when these springtime flowers are in bloom! Strolling down the iconic Cherry Trail in the traditional-style Japanese Garden is a must, along with taking part in the festival’s other activities. From trying Japanese food, to learning how to fold origami and even playing some mini golf (which comprises Japanese-inspired decorations), you can have a true Japanese cultural immersion at this festival! 

Best time to visit: Mid-August – mid-September

Address: Chisholm Rd &, Chiswick Rd, Auburn NSW 2144, Australia

Also read: 10 Airbnbs in Sydney for a Taste of Life as a Local

2. Leura – Blue Mountains

Located in the idyllic Blue Mountains, Leura has been named one of the prettiest villages in Australia. This is especially true in the springtime when the picturesque town centre and main streets are carpeted in dainty pinks. But if you’re looking for a dedicated spot to see the cherry blossoms, head over to the Leura Garden Festival! When the flowers are in bloom, several private gardens in this suburb are open to the public, where one can admire the colour and character of the fresh flowers. You’ll be surprised by the variety of cherry blossoms thriving in the Garden Village!

Best time to visit: Mid-September – early October 

Address: throughout Leura, NSW

3. Katoomba – Blue Mountains

Another lovely scenic town up in the Blue Mountains is Katoomba — where cherry blossom trees populate the streets! Come spring, the main roads brighten up in various shades of pink. So, if you’re looking to get away from the hecticness of city life, why not make a day trip up to this quaint area? Whether you’re sipping on some coffee at a cafe, meandering through the gardens, or even taking a hike up one of their many nature parks, you’ll find yourself accompanied by the cheerful cherry blossoms. 

Best time to visit: Mid-September – early October 

Address: throughout Katoomba, NSW

4. Cowra Japanese Garden – Cowra

A popular Japanese-inspired garden with sprawling cherry blossoms in Australia is the Cowra Japanese Garden. This authentic Japanese garden holds great historical significance, built to commemorate the Japanese prisoners of war who died during the Cowra Breakout of 1944. But the garden is also renowned for its beauty. Attention to detail was made in the curation of this garden — with manicured lawns and hedges, majestic waterfalls, and two serene lakes. So, when the annual Sakura Matsuri Cherry Blossom Festival rolls around, travellers from all over the world rush down to admire the pristine cherry blossoms against the beautiful backdrop. 

Best time to visit: End September – mid-October

Address: Ken Nakajima Pl, Cowra NSW 2794, Australia

Where to see cherry blossoms in Australia: Victoria

5. Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden – Olinda

Known for its sprawling 40-hectare garden with tens of thousands of flowers, Dandenong Ranges Botanic Garden is a highly raved-about spot to catch the cherry blossoms in Australia! Their stunning display of cherry blossoms is accompanied by other spring flowers, creating a symphony of colours and sweet scents that are ubiquitous in the springtime. Marvel at the unobstructed views of the Yarra Ranges, and don’t forget to get some panoramic shots of this sight! If you want to prolong your stay at this relaxing location, do stop by the Café Vireya for some drinks and dessert.

Best time to visit: End September – mid-October

Address: The Georgian Rd, Olinda VIC 3788

6. Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria – Melbourne

Not only is the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria one of Australia’s oldest botanical gardens; but it’s also among the most sought-after cherry blossom locations in the country. Situated in Melbourne, the garden features the prunus x yedoensis (or Yoshino cherry): a graceful, ornamental cherry blossom tree with distinctively white or pale-pink petals. So, head over to the Arboretum to view the garden’s proud Flowering Cherry collection! To make the visit even more memorable, bring along some picnic mats and sit underneath the towering trees as the petals gracefully float down. 

Best time to visit: End September – mid-October

Address: Melbourne VIC 3004, Australia

Also read: 14 Stylish Airbnbs in Melbourne That’ll Make You Want to Move There

7. Banksia Park Cherry Grove – Bulleen

Now, the story behind this adorable collection of cherry blossoms will surely inspire you to visit Banksia Park Cherry Grove when you’re in Victoria. Gifted by the Japanese government during the prime minister’s visit in 1980, the 100 flowering cherry trees are now well taken care of dedicated group of volunteers and Parks Victoria rangers. The grove is also the host of the Sakura Picnic Day, a community event hosted by Japanese communities in Australia. There’s just something extra special about a garden that is cared for and enjoyed by the community, it exudes an almost familial warmth. So, you’ve got to visit this park when viewing the cherry blossoms in Australia!

Best time to visit: End September – mid-October

Address: 3 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen VIC 3105, Australia

8. CherryHill Orchard – Yarra Valley

Of course, how can we miss the CherryHill Orchard when writing about cherry blossoms in Australia? This cherry orchard in Yarra Valley is a cherry hub in Australia, harvesting more than 40 varieties of cherries and offering cherry-picking activities. Aside from the rustic cherry-picking festival, their annual Blossom Festival is an event not to be missed! Guests rush to the Wandin East orchard to catch some shots of (or with) the cherry blossoms. Other than admiring the flowers, you could have a luxurious high-tea experience amongst the blossoms, or even get your portrait taken with the trees as your background. 

Best time to visit: Mid-September – early October

Address: 474 Queens Rd, Wandin East, VIC 3139, Australia

9. Blue Hills Berries and Cherries – Yarra Valley

Imagine this: The air is crisp, with a slight floral scent of cherry blossoms wafting through the air. The pale pink petals drifting gently through the wind, eventually falling on top of your head. Ah… take us there already! And Blue Hills Berries and Cherries has just the event to bring this idea to life. 

Their Cherry Blossom Show is held annually during Victoria’s September school holidays. What makes their cherry blossom event stand out from others in the area is its fairy theme! Dress up as a fairy or an elf and enjoy the view of the blooming cherry blossoms in their new fairy garden. You’ll definitely enjoy the beautiful sights, live music and cheerful atmosphere at this celebration of springtime! 

Best time to visit: Late September – early October

Address: 55 George Rd, Silvan, Vic, 3795

10. Lanidale ‘The Cherry Well’ – Wandin North, Victoria

Affectionately referred to as the “Cherry Well,” Lanidale Cherry Orchard is primarily known for their cherry and apricot-picking experiences. However, don’t skip out on this spot to view the cherry blossoms in Australia! While the orchard is closed from fruit picking during cherry blossom season, you’ll be able to see the towering trees covered in dainty white petals. And since the orchard is not open yet, you can get some nice, unobstructed shots of the cherry blossoms! 

Best time to visit: September

Address: North 3139, 235 Beenak Rd, Wandin North VIC 3139, Australia

Where to see cherry blossoms in Australia: Western Australia

11. S&R Orchard – Perth

S&R Orchard only opens twice a year — for the fruit-picking season in the summer and the cherry blossom season in spring. During the cherry blossom season in Australia, the S&R Blossom Festival features elaborate, Japanese-inspired photo spots that highlight the pretty pink cherry blossoms; you’ll feel as if you’re really in Japan! So, why not make the 30-minute drive from Perth’s central business district? Breathe in the fresh air and revel in the sweet smell of blossoms wafting through the air. For those planning to bring their children, here’s some extra good news: The festival features food trucks, tractor rides, and an animal farm, which are sure to keep the whole family entertained!

Best time to visit: September

Address: 36 Halleendale Rd, Walliston WA 6076, Australia

Where to see cherry blossoms in Australia: Australian Capital Territory

12. Lennox Gardens – Canberra

This next recommendation stands out amongst the other cherry blossom viewing spots in Australia as it’s right by a lake! Along the walkway to Lake Burley Griffin at the Canberra-Nara Peace Park in Lennox Gardens, the pale pink cherry blossoms contrast the deep blue hues of the lake in the background. It is truly a sight to behold. Whether you’re reading a book under the trees, having a picnic with loved ones, or just enjoying the view ahead of you, the addition of the cherry blossoms here makes the scene all the more magical! 

Best time to visit: September – early October

Address: Flynn Dr, Yarralumla ACT 2600, Australia

Also read: 18 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms Outside Japan & South Korea

So, if you can’t wait for Japan’s cherry blossom season in March, head down to Australia to catch them instead — with this handy guide in your back pocket. Given Australia’s reputation for beautiful horticulture, I’m sure the cherry blossom season in Australia will not disappoint!